The Best Open Face Motorcycle Helmets for 2023
We'd know - we've reviewed 450+ helmets since 2000!
Our picks are based on helmets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Devan Martel.
About Our Open Face Helmet Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry-Level Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Priced under $300.
Bell Mag 9 Sena
Why?
It’s hard to believe that technology has progressed to the point where a paltry $190 can get you a class-defining helmet. No, the Mag-9 isn’t the most refined or feature-rich entrant on this list, but for the 99% of riders who want a strong mix of ventilation, safety, and features, this is often the best choice.
Bonus points for the fact that a SENA SMH-10 can integrate seamlessly and flawlessly into it.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.38lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
Originally reviewed in 2016, we found this helmet to be of excellent value. Its only major drawback was that the top vent could flow more air, but most riders overlook this—given that it’s, you know, an open-face helmet. Read the full review.
Scorpion EXO-CT220
Price: $160
Where to Buy: SoloMoto by WebBikeWorld | RevZilla
Why?
Scorpion is well known for being the value kings of gear, and the CT220 is no different. For just $150, you get a helmet that offers jaw and cheek protection better than 99% of open face helmets out there, as well as coming with two different styles of visors.
The drop-down sun visor lets you ride with your eyes protected and the wind in your face, and the full face visor replaces the sun peak and has rubber catch points on the jaw and cheek guard area so that it doesn’t slip out if you go down. Oh, it also features emergency release cheek guards and has a 5-year warranty. Value kings, indeed!
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.32 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
We haven’t had the chance to review this helmet yet, but we are very familiar with Scorpion’s excellent value-for-money history. Check out our coverage here.
Scorpion EXO Covert X
Price: $300+
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | SoloMoto by WebBikeWorld
Why?
No Best Helmet List would be complete without including the Scorpion EXO Covert X helmet. We know the price point is toeing the line between entry-level and mid-range, but this staple of an open-faced helmet has earned its rightful place.
The EXO Covert X replaces it’s predecessor the Exo Covert. This feature-packed helmet has three configurations that allow you to ride in true open-faced style, ¾ or full-face configuration. Unlike a true full-face helmet, the face mask is not crash-rated but will protect your face from road debris.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.31 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
The EXO Covert X is as versatile as it is good-looking. We spent a great deal of time learning the ins and outs of this lid and had some pretty positive things to say! Take a look at our review here.
Best Mid-Range Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Priced $300 - $500.
SCHUBERTH M1 Pro
Why?
The SCHUBERTH M1 Pro is one of the few open face helmets that is wind tunnel tested. It’s the natural evolution of the already popular—and feature-rich—M1, and it’s a doozy.
This one comes with a Pinlock-ready face shield, removable/washable liner, and preinstalled speakers/microphone for the plug-and-play SENA SRC intercom system. This is a badass open-face helmet.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.35 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
We actually haven’t reviewed the M1 Pro, but we have reviewed the original M1 and found it to be a solid open face. Our review of the M1 noted its outstanding build quality, awesome visibility, and comfort. Give it a read.
Arai Classic V
Why?
The Arai Classic-V Helmet is the perfect choice for all our hardcore open-faced riders. Features? Forget it. Classic-V stands for one thing and one thing only - ventilation.
3 air intakes on the front forehead liner and 2 rear exhausts work hard to keep your head cool. An optional face shield can be installed on the existing 5 snaps around the open face of the helmet.
For all our riders looking for a raw riding experience, look no further than the Arai Classic-V
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 2.63 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified & Snell M2020
Our Review
Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to review the Classic-V, but our previous experience with Arai helmets tell us the Classic-V is a smash hit.
Shark S-Drak 2 Carbon
Price: $370
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The S-Drak 2 Carbon is the new and improved brother to the preexisting Shark S-Drak Carbon. The New Drak 2 Carbon skin differs by it’s high-end exterior and interior terminations.
The 100% carbon fiber slim-fit shell allows for a lower profile and an extremely lightweight finish. A removable mask can be used to protect the rider's face but is not rated for crash protection.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 2.89 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
We haven’t reviewed this one hands-on (darn it), but we are very familiar with Shark. Check out our Shark coverage.
Best High-End Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Priced over $500.
Arai Ram-X
Price: $720
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
This is the “I want the absolute best open face helmet on the market” helmet, and it is all that and more. The price is no joke for an open face, but this one is handmade, SNELL and DOT rated, and equipped with a class-leading visor and sun shade combination.
An evolution of the CT-Z, this is the open face for those willing to pay to play.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 4.0 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & SNELL certified
Our Review
We’ve yet to actually get our hands on this helmet—however, we did review its precursor (the CT-Z) and if the Ram-X is even half as good, you know it’ll be a treat. Read our thoughts on the CT-Z.
Shoei J-Cruise II
Price: $580
Where to Buy: SoloMoto by WebBikeWorld | RevZilla
Why?
This updated offering from Shoei keeps the J-Cruise at the top of the 3/4 open-face helmet game where it belongs. The new shell is sleek, modern, and a little aggressive.
Designed to integrate with the J-Cruise II specific SRL Bluetooth headset, everything about the new version is premium. Excellent airflow is provided by the new shell, and every detail is aimed at providing class-leading comfort.
Need SNELL? Get the Arai. Don’t care about SNELL? Get this one.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.75 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
The new Shoei J-Cruise II has to be one of the nicest open-face designs we’ve reviewed. Bruce’s words say it all, “I’ve been searching for ‘the’ three-quarter helmet solution for some time—this helmet ends the search.” Read the full review.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Face Helmets
What is an open face helmet?
Also known as a three-quarter helmet, it is a style of head protection that covers most of the same areas as a full face helmet, except without a chin bar. Many of these helmets have either a drop down sun visor in the crown of the helmet, or have attachment points for a half face or full face shield to be installed. Many also have grooves in their linings at the temples so you can wear motorcycle-approved sunglasses if you do not want to use a shield.
What are the disadvantages of an open face helmet?
The biggest disadvantage is the lack of facial protection, especially the jaw and mouth areas. 37% of motorcycle accidents that involve the head impact the chin bar area of a full face helmet. The other aspect regarding impacts is that if you choose to not use a face shield, your face is still exposed to the elements and potential flying debris kicked up by other vehicles
Are open face helmets suitable for sport riding?
In the most basic sense, yes. To expand further on that, it depends on what type of sport riding you’re doing. If you’re on a modern supersport or superbike, you’re already likely using a full face helmet, but they can be used on those motorcycles without issue. If you’re on a neo-retro sport bike, like a Royal Enfield INT650 or a Triumph Speed Twin, the “proper look” is to have an open face helmet with some motorcycle-grade ballistic goggles over your eyes, and some classic racing events even allow for open face helmets as long as they carry a SNELL rating.
What are the benefits of an open face helmet?
Open face helmets are very popular among the scooter and neo-retro crowd, as they are usually much lighter than a full face helmet, allow for you to enjoy the wind in your face, and have that classic 50’s and 60’s look while still affording you good protection. They are also the bare minimum helmet that the ECE will certify, so many open face helmets carry ECE 22.05 or 22.06 certifications.
Are open face helmets safe?
While not affording as much protection as a full face helmet, in general open face helmets are very safe. They cover the side of your face to your jawline, as well as the top of your neck and the basilar skull area, areas that are likely to suffer an impact in an accident. Open face helmets are also capable of obtaining a coveted SNELL M2015, M2020, or M2020R rating, meaning that they have passed the stringent, difficult, and voluntary tests performed by SNELL Labs.
Are open face helmets worth it?
To determine if a helmet is “worth it,” consider the type of riding you will be doing the most. If you’re a track day enthusiast, most tracks require a full face helmet with a SNELL or FHRPe-01 rating, so it’s not worth it for track days. If you’re canyon carving on a neo-retro, or cruising down the highway on a Harley-Davidson, then an open face helmet with some goggles or ballistic sunglasses are definitely worth it for that wind in the face feeling.
As with all personal protective gear, it’s up to the rider to balance their mitigation of risk with how much protection they want to wear.
What To Look For In A Open Face Helmet
Like all helmets, open face helmets come with a list of items to pay particular attention to. More complex than every other type of helmet, knowing what to look for can be the difference between an awesome experience and a terrible one.
Look For:
DOT/ECE certifications—Many inexpensive open face helmets showing up on Amazon and eBay are not DOT or ECE certified. This certification may save your life. Don’t cheap out—remember, you’re preparing for the slide, not the ride.
Comfort— Most of the helmets featured on this page use lightweight materials to minimize neck strain—useful, especially on long rides.
Head shape—While most people are an intermediate oval, not all are. Make sure you get a helmet designed for your head shape.
Shell material—Polycarbonate is okay, but you’d be better served with carbon fiber (expensive) or fiberglass. All the helmets called out here (save for one) are fiberglass.
Interior liner—All the helmets featured here offer removable liners that are anti-moisture and anti-bacterial. Avoid non-removable liners (found in cheap helmets)—it’ll be a stink factory before you know it.
Read the complete motorcycle helmet buyer's guide for more information.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
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